Ocular Infections In School Children In A Rural Block Of Haryana

Objectives: To study the prevalence of ocular infections in school children (6-15 years) and their association with age and sex. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Govt. Senior Secondary Schools of Block Lakhanmajra. Participants: 1265 school children (6-15 years). Methodology: Out of 16 Govt. Senior Secondary Schools, 4 were randomly chosen. Students aged 6-15 years studying in class 1 to 10 were included in the study. The detailed examination included external examination with torch & 2x magnifying loupe. The finding of clinical examination was recorded on a pretested Performa and were analysed. Statistical Analysis: percentages and Chi-square test. Result: Out of 1265 students examined, 288 (22.8%) were found to have ocular infections. Most common infection was squamous blepharitis (12.3%) followed by vernal conjunctivitis (5.1%), conjunctivitis (4.7%), stye (0.7%). Conclusion: There was high prevalence of ocular infections in students. Health education regarding eye hygiene and eye care should be given to students.